AST: Theorem Realisation, Representation, and Downstream Translation Between Theory Form and Empirical Instantiation

Abstract

This working paper specifies the intermediate methodological layer between AST-based theory generation and downstream empirical operationalisation. It addresses how a completed theorematic structure can be represented, normalised, translated, and frozen for empirical use without introducing hidden novelty, proxy drift, scope drift, or covert theoretical modification. The paper distinguishes declarative, descriptive, and predictive forms of theorematic output; specifies theorem and corollary normalisation; formalises theorem-to-observation translation; defines admissible and non-admissible translation moves; introduces scope-fidelity and dimensioning rules; and establishes criteria for translation closure prior to empirical work. Its central purpose is to preserve traceability and the asymmetry between theory generation and empirical instantiation. The paper does not generate new AST derivations and does not itself conduct empirical analysis. Instead, it provides the constrained representational and translational bridge through which completed AST theory form can become stable, observation-ready, and suitable for later downstream frameworks such as RI–HITL.